QB Rankings Week 2: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em, and Dominate Your Fantasy League!

Week 1 of the NFL season delivered some shocking quarterback performances, both good and bad. As fantasy football managers dive into Week 2, making the right calls on who to start and sit at the QB position is crucial. With injuries already impacting lineups and some QBs facing tough matchups, let’s break down the QB landscape to help you dominate your fantasy league.

Top Tier QBs: Must-Starts

Josh Allen (BUF at NYJ): After a stellar Week 1 performance against the Ravens where he threw for 394 yards and 2 touchdowns, Allen remains a top-tier option. Even against a tough Jets defense, Allen’s dual-threat ability makes him a weekly must-start. The Bills’ offense relies heavily on Allen’s arm and legs, providing a high floor and ceiling for fantasy managers.

Lamar Jackson (BAL vs CLE): Despite the Ravens’ Week 1 loss to the Bills, Jackson showcased his MVP-caliber talent, throwing for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding 70 rushing yards and another score. Jackson’s rushing ability gives him a significant advantage, and he should continue to produce elite fantasy numbers against the Browns.

Jalen Hurts (PHI at KC): Hurts and the Eagles face a Super Bowl rematch against the Chiefs. While Patrick Mahomes is a risky start this week, Hurts remains a solid option due to his consistent rushing production. Even if the passing numbers aren’t gaudy, Hurts’ ground game keeps him in the elite tier.

Joe Burrow (CIN vs JAX): Burrow had a disastrous Week 1 outing against the Browns, but a bounce-back is likely against the Jaguars. Despite a tough Week 1 matchup for Jacksonville’s defense, Burrow’s talent and the potential for a high-scoring game make him a strong start.

Jayden Daniels (WAS at GB): Daniels faces the Packers on Thursday night. While he may have a knee issue, his dual threat ability makes him a must start.

QB1 Upside: Start with Confidence

Justin Herbert (LAC at LV): Herbert looked sharp in Week 1 against the Chiefs, throwing for 318 yards and three touchdowns. With a revamped receiving corps, Herbert has multiple reliable weapons and a juicy matchup against the Raiders, who allowed Drake Maye to throw for 287 yards in Week 1.

Justin Fields (NYJ vs BUF): Fields exceeded expectations in Week 1, nearly 30 fantasy points. His rushing ability gives him a high floor, and the Bills’ defense struggled against Lamar Jackson’s mobility.

Kyler Murray (ARI vs CAR): Murray had a solid start to the season and faces a favorable matchup against the Panthers, whose defense has allowed 19+ fantasy points to QBs in 5 of their last 6 games.

Dak Prescott (DAL vs NYG): Prescott wasn’t as bad as his Week 1 fantasy score suggested, with drops costing him significant yardage. Back home against the Giants, Prescott should rebound and provide a solid fantasy performance.

Risky Starts: Proceed with Caution

Patrick Mahomes (KC vs PHI): Mahomes faces a tough Eagles defense without key receivers Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (shoulder injury). While Mahomes is always capable of a big game, the circumstances make him a risky start.

Trevor Lawrence (JAX at CIN): Lawrence has a new coach and supporting cast, but faces a tougher test against the Bengals. He remains a low-end QB1 mix.

Jared Goff (DET vs CHI): Goff faces a Bears defense that looked solid for three quarters against J.J. McCarthy. While Goff has a high floor at home, his ceiling may be limited.

Bo Nix (DEN at IND): Nix struggled in his debut, throwing two interceptions. He’s a bench for now against an angry Texans squad.

Sit ‘Em: Bench These Quarterbacks

Brock Purdy (SF at NO): OUT. With Purdy sidelined due to a toe and shoulder injury, Mac Jones will start against the Saints. Jones is not a recommended fantasy option.

Caleb Williams (CHI at DET): Williams lost all QB1 benefit of the doubt in the opener.

Drake Maye (NE at MIA): Maye was awful in Week 1. Even against the Dolphins, Maye is best left in superflex spots for the time being.

Michael Penix Jr. (ATL at MIN): Penix looked the streamer part in the opener.

J.J. McCarthy (MIN vs ATL): It’s too early to declare McCarthy a legit streamer option.

CJ Stroud (HOU vs TB): Stroud threw for 188 yards with zero touchdowns in Week 1.

Geno Smith (LV vs LAC): The Chargers defense is solid.

Matthew Stafford (LAR at TEN): Stafford’s fantasy numbers didn’t win any matchups last week.

Tua Tagovailoa (MIA vs NE): The Colts blew out the Dolphins for several reasons, including the poor play of Tagovailoa.

Daniel Jones (IND vs DEN): Jones comes off one of the very best starts of his career to a daunting home matchup with a Broncos defense.

Aaron Rodgers (PIT vs SEA): Rodgers looked like the veteran QB he is and he played like a man 10 years younger.

Sam Darnold (SEA at PIT): The Seahawks don’t want Darnold to score fantasy points.

Bryce Young (CAR at ARI): Young had a far worse day than even Williams.

Cam Ward (TEN vs LAR): It was a season opener to forget for Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans.

Spencer Rattler (NO vs SF): Fantasy managers will want to avoid the Saints’ QB situation.

Russell Wilson (NYG at DAL): Back home against a solid but hardly stay-away Giants defense, Prescott should scare up a score or three.

Injury Updates

Brock Purdy (SF): OUT for multiple weeks with a toe and shoulder injury. Mac Jones will start.
George Kittle (SF): Placed on IR with a hamstring injury.
Xavier Worthy (KC): Doubtful with a shoulder injury.
Jauan Jennings (SF): Questionable with a shoulder injury.

Waiver Wire Watch

Mac Jones (SF): With Purdy out, Jones becomes a potential streaming option in deeper leagues.
Ricky Pearsall (SF): With Kittle on IR and Jennings questionable, Pearsall could see an increased role in the 49ers’ offense.
Juwan Johnson (NO): Johnson led all tight ends in targets in Week 1 and could be a valuable addition.

By carefully considering matchups, injuries, and player performance, you can make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge in your fantasy league. Good luck in Week 2!